France

France Hotels, B&B's and holiday homes For all its sophistication France fiercely hangs on to its rural traditions and beliefs like no other modern country. This is very much reflected in the country’s range of accommodations. Hotels in Paris, the French Riviera and most coastal towns are as sophisticated and stylish as any in the world, of course, but it is the small, romantic bed & breakfast or maisons d’hôte in the French countryside that are especially charming. In addition to its beautiful cities, France has managed to preserve its magnificent landscapes, mountain scenery and a village life of yesteryear with no apparent contradiction. So whatever you are looking for – whether bold modern architecture, peaceful medieval villages or just downright chic (another French word) France will have it and will have it with panache.

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France

There’s a single word that manages to convey the meaning of flair, flamboyance, pride and swagger all into one and it’s French: Panache! If ever there was a word that accurately describes the Gallic way of life then this is it and if ever there was a country that has taken the art of living to such sophisticated heights then it must be France.

The finest cuisine, wines and cheeses vie with a unique sense of style that makes it a simply irresistible proposition. Countless monuments (over 40,000), chateaux and abbeys (10,000) and museums (6,000) will keep even the most urbane traveller happy. Yet for all its sophistication France fiercely hangs on to its rural traditions and beliefs like no other modern country.

This is very much reflected in the country’s range of accommodations. Romantic hotels in France and boutique hotels in France can be as sophisticated as any in the world, of course, but you will also find rustic and charming hotels in France. After all, well over half of France is still countryside, so that in addition to its beautiful cities, it has managed to preserve its magnificent landscapes, mountain scenery and a village life... of yesteryear with no apparent contradiction.

Only the French could pull this off, so whatever you are looking for – whether bold modern architecture, peaceful medieval villages or just downright chic (another French word!) France will have it and will have it with panache.

Where to go in France

Although some of Frances regions are more famous than others, almost all of them are worth visiting. Be it for their natural beauty, the excellent local food, the romantic villages or chique cities. For those that have never visited France, Paris with its stylish city life and boutique hotels is a must. Next in line would be the Provence and nearby French Riviera, known as the Côte d'Azur, the Loire valley and its enchanting chateaux, Brittany and Normandy with their rugged coasts and lovely bed & breakfasts or chambres d'hôtes, Aquitaine in the south west. Food lovers will not want to miss the Périgord and Alsace.

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Secretplaces is an independent hotel guide to some of the most beautiful and charming hotels and guesthouses, independent of price. Over the years, we have visited thousands of lodgings of which only a few have made it into this fine selection